Comparing stock pickups in Hwy One Jazz and Squier VM Jazz

Busker · #1 09-15-2009, 08:17 PM

I have a 2006 Highway One Jazz, all stock. These supposedly have vintage style pickups. I've had comments on how good this bass sounds by bandmates. But at times, I have had a hard time cutting through the mix with this bass.

Enter the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz with Duncan Designed pups (2008 model). This bass is all stock as well. The output of these pups blows the Highway One out of the water. Really punchy and loud. The pickup height adjustments look about identical to the Hwy One. I haven't played the Squier at a gig yet, but I have the feeling it will cut through fine.

Any pickup recommendations for the Highway One? I need more punch and volume, while retaining the good tone of the original pups.

Well, I just found the pickups are the same size in both (or close enough). I was assuming the Hwy One had the pickups with different lengths and the Squier had the pickups that are each the same length. But the Squier has the slightly longer bridge pup just like the Hwy One. I could even put Duncan Designed in the Hwy One if I wanted, and they would probably be cheap on ebay.

GerManson · #2 09-15-2009, 08:25 PM

play with your EQ!!

sometimes is good to ask the guitards to cut some lows too.

Busker · #3 09-15-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerManson

play with your EQ!!

sometimes is good to ask the guitards to cut some lows too.

Good idea, and I have played with the eq at my end, but the band seems to have one volume lately, loud, and the guitarist runs the sound. I have mentioned the volume levels and have urged all of us to try playing at a lower volume, but we'll see if that comes about. By "cutting through" I guess I mean mainly the highs and high mids. In a lot of the music we play, the bass has high fills and I like those to come through well, but they get lost at times.

Bottom line, the Duncan Designed pups have more output than the stock Fenders. I thought higher output pups would be my solution on the Hwy One. Am I wrong?

nicfargo · #4 09-15-2009, 08:40 PM

Na, just boost your mids. Mids are what cut through...so give 'em a little boost. I switched my Hwy 1 Jazz pups over to my MIM Fretless Jazz and put Seymour Duncans in my Hwy 1 Jazz. They're both about the same volume as far as I can tell. Those "Duncan Designed" pups might just be a little strange, and might kick out a ton of volume for whatever reason. My Ric certainly kicks out more then either of my Jazz's. Doesn't mean I need to change the pups on my Jazz's again, just means I play with volume and EQ on my amp...that's what it's there for.